Sunwolves to open final season in Fukuoka on Feb. 1

The Sunwolves will open their final season in Super Rugby on Feb. 1, 2020, at Fukuoka’s Level 5 Stadium against the Melbourne Rebels, tournament organizer SANZAAR announced Tuesday.

Naoya Okubo’s side will then have a bye before it faces the Chiefs from New Zealand at Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground on Feb. 15.

Tokyo will also host games against the reigning champion Crusaders, on March 14, the Reds on April 5, the Waratahs on May 8 and the Stormers on May 16.

In addition to Chichibunomiya and first-time Super Rugby host Level 5, the Sunwolves will also play home games in Osaka Prefecture and Singapore.

Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Higashiosaka will stage its first Super Rugby game on March 8 when the Brumbies make the trip from Australia, while the match at Singapore National Stadium on May 2 will see the Sunwolves host Argentina’s Jaguares.

The Sunwolves will once again be part of the Australian Conference and its final game of the regular season will be against the Brumbies in Canberra on May 29.

“The schedule has 22 match venues confirmed and it is exciting that Super Rugby will once again venture into several new venues and cities,” said Super Rugby CEO Andy Marinos.